Washington International Horse Show Returns in 2025 with Enhanced Schedule, New Footing, Same Legendary Excitement

By Jumper News on 2025-10-22

Upper Marlboro, United States – The magic, the memories, and the absolute best of indoor show jumping return with the 2025 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) presented by MARS Equestrian™ in The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center on October 20–26. With nearly $1 million in prize money, a star-studded lineup of Olympic-caliber athletes, family-friendly fun, and an elevated experience for all, this year’s WIHS is set to be best-in-class on every level.

WIHS is turning up the energy, raising the bar, and meeting the expectations of riders and fans alike with major updates to its event schedule and footing — all designed to enhance competition, audience excitement, and the indoor quality that only WIHS can deliver.

A Revamped Schedule Will Have Everyone Cheering

Military Night is now on Thursday, October 23, featuring the $63,000 Welcome Stake for international jumpers and the new $63,000 Stars & Stripes Speed Stake, where speed, precision, and patriotic spirit shine, and competitors ride for the Eisenhower Cup Trophy. Who will be the fastest rider of the night?

By popular demand, MARS Barn Night moves to Friday, October 24, and it’s bringing a full evening of fun! Get ready for the wildly entertaining $63,000 Accumulator Costume Class, where elite riders and their horses compete in full Halloween regalia. Plus, fans can meet their idols during an autograph signing, cheer for their favorite barns, participate in a variety of contests for fantastic prizes, and enjoy the fan-favorite WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Race. This year’s MARS Barn Night theme is “Wild for WIHS,” so start planning your safari-themed outfits!

Don’t miss Kids’ Day presented by Delta Air Lines on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a free, rain-or-shine family event full of pony rides, crafts, a pony kissing booth, plus daytime access to the horse show at no charge. Sylvia Zerbini and her Grande Liberté horses will perform again on Saturday afternoon. Kids’ Day is an unforgettable introduction to the magic of horses and the world of WIHS.

New Footing, Elevated Performance

WIHS aims for excellence every year. In 2025, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is joining WIHS as a Platinum-level sponsor investing in brand-new footing that meets the highest standards of safety, comfort, and performance. This new competition surface provides optimal traction, cushioning, and stability — delivering a dust-free, forgiving arena for peak equine performance all week long.

Provided by Footing First and installed by JTWG, Inc., the footing will be exclusive to WIHS.

To ensure this world-class experience for spectators and competitors continues, WIHS has reached an agreement with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission to secure its home at Prince George’s Equestrian Center through 2028, reinforcing its commitment to growth, consistency, and the enduring evolution of one of America’s most iconic indoor shows.

“WIHS has evolved over 67 years and five different locations,” said WIHS President Vicki Lowell. “We have found a welcoming and supportive home through 2028 at Prince George’s Equestrian Center and with the Town of Upper Marlboro, Prince George’s County, and the State of Maryland. We have embraced this venue and know that we can continue to find ways to set new standards for the sport there. The facility is incredibly horse friendly, and we consider athlete, spectator, and all stakeholders’ feedback every year to make WIHS a superior experience. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to WIHS in 2025 and beyond.”

Don’t Miss the Magic of Washington

With an upgraded schedule, enhanced competition surface, and unforgettable entertainment, the 2025 Washington International Horse Show is set to deliver an experience like no other. Join us as we celebrate the return of magic, meet the moment with excellence, and raise the bar once again for indoor equestrian sport.

For more information, visit www.wihs.org.

Source: Press Release from Jump Media for the Washington International Horse Show